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Updated: June 4, 2025
And, as Aunt Lavarande made no reply, she felt sure of her perfect submission, and went on towards the parlor. "Dionysia!" cried Jacques as soon as she entered, "Dionysia!" He was standing in the centre of this mournful hall, looking whiter than the whitewash on the wall, but apparently calm, and almost smiling. The violence with which he controlled himself was horrible.
"Have you heard the news?" "No: what is it?" "Dionysia de Chandore has been to see M. de Boiscoran in prison." "Is it possible?" "Yes, indeed! Twenty people have seen her come back from there, leaning on the arm of the older Miss Lavarande. She went in at ten minutes past ten, and she did not come out till a quarter-past three." "Is the young woman mad?"
In the most docile manner the Misses Lavarande rose, and took their niece and Jacques's mother with them: the latter was evidently near fainting. As soon as the door was shut, Grandpapa Chandore, half mad with grief, exclaimed, "Thanks, M. Magloire, thanks for having given me time to prepare my poor child for the terrible blow. I see but too well what you are going to say. Jacques is guilty."
M. de Chandore replied that she had staid at home with the Misses Lavarande, to keep M. Magloire company; and that was all. There are situations in which it is painful to talk. The marquis had enough to do to suppress the spasmodic sobs which now and then would rise in his throat. He was upset by the thought that he was at Sauveterre.
But fortunately she had one of those happy dispositions which cannot be spoiled; and besides, she was perhaps saved from the danger by its very excess. As she grew older she would say with a laugh, "Grandpapa Chandore, my aunts Lavarande, and I, we do just what we choose." That was only a joke. Never did a young girl repay such sweet affection with rarer and nobler qualities.
She had hardly strength enough left to drag herself every day as far as the jail to see her son. The two Misses Lavarande had to bear all the practical difficulties arising from this sore trial: they went and came, looking as pale as ghosts, whispering in a low voice, and walking on tiptoe, as if there had been a death in the house. Dionysia alone showed greater energy as the troubles increased.
"And I hope you will forgive me those suspicions which now fill me with horror." But the marchioness had no strength left: she fainted, and had to be removed, accompanied by Dionysia and the Misses Lavarande. As soon as they were out of the room, Dr. Seignebos locked the door, rested his elbow on the chimney, and, taking off his spectacles to wipe them, said to M. Folgat,
He sent word to her that he wished to see her; and, as soon as she heard that Jacques wanted her, she said simply, "I am ready to go." And, calling one of the Misses Lavarande, she told her, "Come, Aunt Elizabeth, be quick. Take your hat and your shawl. I am going out, and you are going with me."
The count and the countess lived quite retired, and gave their whole time, he to agricultural pursuits, and she to the education of her children. They entertained but little, and did not come to Sauveterre more than four times a year, to visit the Misses Lavarande, or the old Baron de Chandore. Every summer, towards the end of July, they went to Royan, where they had a cottage.
As a matter of course, it had been necessary to take the marchioness into their confidence; but neither she, nor the Misses Lavarande, nor M. Folgat, had raised an objection. Down to the prison, grandfather and grandchild had not exchanged a word; but, when they reached it, Dionysia said, "I see Mrs. Blangin at the door: let us be careful." They came nearer. Mrs. Blangin saluted them.
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